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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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Legislative Update - January 15, 2015

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Dear neighbors,

The second week of session is underway, and things around the Capitol are busy. As a result of the November elections, the DFL members of the House of Representatives are now in the minority, which means DFL member responsibilities and office locations in the State Office Building are changing this year. Please take note of my new office location and contact info on the side of this email update.

Committee Appointments

This year I have been appointed to three different committees by Speaker Daudt. I am the DFL Lead on the Civil Law and Data Practices Committee, and I will also serve on the Tax Committee and the Veterans Affairs Division of the State Government Finance Committee. I look forward to my work on these committees, especially on data practices issues as we continue the constant work of protecting the private personal information of Minnesota’s citizens from unnecessary or illegal government surveillance.

Oath of Office

Last Tuesday, all elected members of the House of Representatives were sworn in by Secretary of State Steve Simon before the beginning of the 2015 legislative session. It was a special day, and it offers a chance for families and friends of members to join them on the floor while members take their oath to uphold the Constitution of the State of Minnesota and the United States.

Session Priorities

As the legislative session continues, I am continuing to fight for the progressive initiatives that have helped move our entire state forward over the last two years. While it will be more difficult to move some DFL ideas through the House now that we are in the minority, I am confident that we will continue to make progress on some of the hurdles that face our communities. A few of the things that I will continue to push for this year include:

  • Schools: Adequately funding E-12 schools and increasing access and funding for early childhood education and high quality childcare programs for low income families

  • Transportation: Resolving our long-term transportation funding issues equitably, and encouraging multi-modal usage that give our neighbors options.

  • Data Privacy: Ensuring the integrity of private data held by state agencies and law enforcement, and protecting citizens from unnecessary data collection in our increasingly high-tech world.

Upcoming Event

Please join Ramsey County Attorney John Choi at a Public Forum on the topic of "Sex Trafficking and Exploitation: Minnesota Provides a Safe Harbor" on Wednesday, February 4. Across Minnesota, women and girls are sexually exploited, often through violence and control tactics, for traffickers’ financial gain in what President Obama and others have rightfully deemed “modern day slavery.” Ramsey County Attorney John Choi will talk about the dynamics of sex trafficking, how traffickers prey on vulnerable children, what is being done at a state and local level to combat this, and what community members can do to help. After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment and ask questions.

The presentation will be held in the Community Room at the Roseville Library, 2180 Hamline Avenue North, Roseville, on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, starting at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!

 

Sincerely,

John Lesch

State Representative